“Finally level four.” Xu Xuandong stared down at the glowing screen of his Steam Deck, a weary smile breaking across his face.
After grinding his Druid levels through the night, he locked in his newly selected Feat: Lucky.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, rerolling attack rolls or saving throws was solid, but in a real cultivation world?
“Luck” translated directly into fortuitous encounters.
Divine weapons gathering dust in back-alley stalls, half-dead grandmasters trapped inside ancient rings, or encountering invaluable talent—if the protagonist aura wasn’t going to hand him free plot armor, he would code it into reality himself.
A trip to the imperial flea market today felt like a necessity.
A sharp knock at the door shattered his thoughts.
“Your Highness, breakfast is served!” Xuandong blinked at the bright sunlight streaming through the window.
“Wait, it’s morning already?” He turned toward the window, glaring at a row of sparrows perched outside.
“Hey, why didn’t you guys chirp to warn me?” The sparrows let out a series of sleepy, sluggish chirps.
We stayed up all night watching over your room so no bad people would sneak in…
Guilt immediately washed over him.
He summoned three fresh Goodberries and tossed them to his feathered sentinels.
“Good job, fellas.
Eat up.” Dragging his stiff, exhausted limbs, he stumbled out toward the grand dining hall.
“Good morning, son—good heavens, what happened to you?” Consort Xu gasped as Xuandong collapsed into his chair, heavy dark circles under his eyes.
Her gaze immediately whipped across the table to glare daggers at Xu Mie’er.
“Did you force your brother to stay up all night learning soul tool engineering again?” Xu Mie’er nearly choked on her tea, waving her hands in protest.
“Mother!
I didn’t do anything!” “Don’t lie to me,” her mother countered coolly.
“Do you think I don’t know my own daughter?
That hollow, dead-eyed zombie expression is exactly what you look like after staying up all night researching soul tools.” “I’m innocent!” Mie’er protested, gesturing wildly at her brother.
“Ask Xu Xuandong yourself!” His mother turned to him softly.
“Xuandong, what happened?” Xuandong stared blankly at his plate.
“I hate myself.
I hate my life.
I hate everything.” His mother instantly turned her glare back onto Mie’er.
“See?
Even the exact same reply!” Before Mie’er could defend herself, the Emperor strode into the hall.
The family offered their greetings, but as the Emperor’s eyes landed on his youngest son, he blinked in surprise and slowly turned to his eldest daughter.
“Not you too, Imperial Father!” Mie’er cried out.
Xu Xia giggled into her sleeve.
“Just accept it, Big Sister.” Laughter rippled around the table.
The Emperor let out a chuckle, secretly pleased that his son was focused on soul tools after all.
He took his seat and looked at Xuandong.
“It is good to be dedicated, but do not overdo it.
Having one soul tool goblin in this family is enough.” “Don’t worry, Father,” Xuandong mumbled, buttering his toast.
“I won’t become an unmarried spinster.” “Who are you calling a spinster?!” Xu Mie’er snapped, pulling a Grade 5 soul tool from her spatial ring in anger.
“Charm the Heaven and Earth!” Xuandong suddenly yelled, striking a dramatic pose.
Mie’er flinched, instantly focusing her mind to resist his skill…
but nothing happened.
She blinked, looking across the table, only to find Xuandong already hiding safely behind their mother’s back.
She ground her teeth in frustration, holding back her temper.
Their mother gave a weary smile.
“Xuandong, stop provoking your sister.” “You’re too soft on her, Mother,” Xuandong murmured.
“If you leave her as she is, she’ll never give you grandchildren.” His mother blinked, then slowly turned a sharp, speculative gaze onto her eldest daughter.
Xu Mie’er panicked.
Inside the imperial carriage, Xu Xia sat reading a book while Xuandong lay sprawled across the seat, sleeping and snoring loudly.
She grew annoyed but didn’t bother disturbing him.
Upon arriving at the academy, Ye Xing greeted them near the courtyard.
“How are you feeling, your highness?” “Like shit,” Xuandong replied flatly.
Ye Xing froze.
Xu Xia brushed past them, saying, “Pay him no attention.
He stayed up all night researching soul tools.
He reaps what he sows.” During class, Xuandong slept peacefully through every lecture.
It wasn’t until his sister shook his shoulder that he woke up.
“Is it lunch break?” he mumbled.
“No, classes are over,” Xu Xia sighed.
“We need to go back.” Xuandong was genuinely surprised no teacher had bothered to wake him up, unlike his past life on Earth.
Then he remembered—he was the Crown Prince.
As long as he didn’t murder anyone, he could do practically anything without trouble.
Ye Xing smiled as they walked out.
“You look much better now.” “There is nothing better than naps during class,” Xuandong yawned.
“For some reason, it has a special restorative effect.” He recalled napping during high school math classes back on Earth—for some reason, ten minutes on a desk felt far more refreshing than sleeping in his own bed.
“I’m heading to the flea market.
Want to come?” “Sure,” Ye Xing agreed.
“Can I come too?” Xu Xia asked.
“Sure,” Xuandong nodded.
In the carriage, Ye Xing looked at him curiously.
“What are you looking for?” “Nothing.
I just want to try my luck,” Xuandong said.
Ye Xing blinked and looked at Xu Xia, who simply shook her head.
They arrived at the market and moved from stall to stall.
Xu Xia picked up a platinum bracelet with detailed engravings and held it out.
“How does this look?” “It looks good,” Xuandong admitted.
“The seller said it’s an item that belonged to an ancient god,” she said proudly.
Xuandong looked at her as if she were an idiot.
“He said that just to hike up the price.” Xu Xia grew mad.
“I’ll go show him!” “Stop,” Xuandong caught her arm.
“You deserve it since you didn’t question the item or the seller from the start.
How would an item from a god be sold out in the open like this?
Even if it were real, it would be sold in a grand auction across the continent.” A loud argument drew their attention nearby.
They saw Ye Xing standing in front of a burly, rough-looking man.
Behind Ye Xing were a mother and her young child.
“They stole from my stall!
Move!” the man barked at Ye Xing.
“I was standing right here,” Ye Xing stood firmly.
“They didn’t even look at your stall.
Why are you accusing them?” Xuandong stepped forward, looking at the muscular man.
“How much do you want?
We don’t have time to waste on your act.” He then glanced at the mother.
“Besides, brothels don’t lack places for women like you.” The woman glared.
“It’s not your business, brat!” Xuandong smiled.
“For someone so ‘helpless,’ you’re sure feisty.” Startled, the woman turned to the rough-looking man.
“Brother Long!
Beat him up!” Brother Long took one look at Xuandong’s clothes and noble demeanor, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his neck.
He backed away from the woman immediately.
“I…
I don’t even know this woman!” Xuandong remained silent, staring him down.
“How much did you want from Ye Xing?” The woman was about to shout again, but Brother Long screamed at her to shut up.
He turned back to Xuandong, shaking.
Offending wealthy young nobles in the capital meant dying without a grave.
“I wouldn’t dare!
How could I take anything from someone as respectable as you?” “Speak,” Xuandong commanded.
“10 gold coins!” Long squeaked.
Xuandong pulled out a pouch of 1,000 gold coins and threw it at him.
“Take it.” Long grabbed the coins, hauled the mother and child away, and vanished into the crowd.
Ye Xing stood baffled, feeling like an idiot.
“How did you know he was a fraud?” “While the child was shivering, it wasn’t from fear—he was stifling chuckles,” Xuandong said.
“And the woman kept her eyes mostly on you, not the guy.
Neither of them feared him, so they clearly knew each other.” Xu Xia asked, “If you knew it was a scam, why didn’t you have the police arrest him?” “Too much work,” Xuandong replied, walking ahead.
The two exchanged looks and followed.
On their carriage ride back, the vehicle was suddenly ambushed by Evil Soul Masters!
Out of nowhere, several imperial Soul Masters materialized, shouting, “Protect the Crown Prince and his companions!” The carriage exploded.
An imperial bodyguard assigned by the Emperor snatched them up, deploying a flying soul tool to carry them away.
However, an incoming attack intercepted the soul tool mid-air!
Xuandong and Ye Xing fell through the sky.
Another stray attack streaked directly toward them.
Xuandong used Thorn Whip to pull Ye Xing out of harm’s way, but the blast hit Xuandong instead.
The imperial protective soul tool granted to royal children absorbed the blow, but the massive force blasted Xuandong far away.
Hitting the ground hard, Xuandong dusted himself off.
“Damn it, Xu Tianran, you moron!
Why are you causing trouble for both of us?!” Looking around, he realized he had landed in the slums.
He walked up and knocked on a nearby door.
A grumpy, overweight lady opened it.
Xuandong flashed a gold coin and cast Charm Person.
“Do you have spare clothes, or know someone around here with a kid my age?” The woman dazedly pointed to a house down the lane.
“Long ban’s brat is your age.” Giving her the coin, Xuandong walked over and knocked.
To his surprise, ‘Brother Long’ opened the door!
“Wouldn’t you invite me in?” Xuandong asked softly.
Long Ban nodded rapidly and ushered him inside.
At the table, the mother and child glared at Xuandong while Long Ban stood sweating nervously.
“H-How did you find me?” Xuandong credited his Lucky feat mentally.
“Weren’t you so brave in the market earlier?
Why ask this now, Long Ban?” Long Ban was terrified.
Knowing this kid came from a powerful family, he inwardly swore to start a clean life and stop tricking people.
He sighed, “What do you want?
I already took your gold.” “Tell me about the underworld here,” Xuandong requested.
Long Ban explained that the underworld was split between three major forces: the Duskwater Alliance, the Common Alliance, and the Alto Chamber of Commerce.
“Which force do you belong to?” Long Ban shook his head.
“I’m just a con artist.
I don’t belong to any of them, nor do they have anything for me.” Xuandong sighed, then pressed him for details regarding the powers and notable people in the area.
While he couldn’t make direct contact with the major underground bosses yet, Long Ban’s local knowledge allowed Xuandong to navigate the slums safely.
Changing into commoner clothes, he roamed the streets.
He found a few stray rats, cast Animal Friendship, and commanded them to search the surrounding area.
Within minutes, he located a hidden brothel.
Using Pass Without Trace, he snuck inside, observing all forms of depravity.
Suddenly, a woman’s voice echoed from behind him.
“Aren’t you a bit too young to be in here?” Xuandong turned, surprised she had seen through his stealth spell.
He looked at her.
“Who runs this establishment?” “I do,” she smiled.
Xuandong smirked.
“Then I came to offer an accord.” Moments later, Xuandong was walking down the street using Wild Shape to transform into a stray cat to blend in.
He saw several men running around holding wanted posters of his face.
Not knowing if they were assassins or his father’s search parties, he kept to himself.
He spotted a boy running while clutching a scrap piece of metal.
The boy tripped and fell, chased by two men.
Deciding it was none of his business, Xuandong tried to walk past.
Suddenly, one of the chasers kicked out to strike him!
Xuandong leaped backward and hissed.
“Stupid cat, I hate cats,” the man growled.
“We don’t have time for this!” his companion snapped.
“We need to find the target, we’re almost out of time!” “Won’t take long,” the man nodded.
He activated his martial soul, and two white soul rings flared to life around him.
The two-ring Soul Master scoffed, swinging his heavy wooden club down at the cornered kid.
Suddenly, a blur of silver flashed between them.
The boy unleashed his martial soul—a plain, battered iron sword with no soul rings—and parried the strike with a sharp metallic clatter.
“Don’t harm the cat!” the kid yelled, stepping in front of Xuandong.
The first man spat on the ground.
“Hand over the metal piece and we’ll let you live, brat.” The boy gritted his teeth, his knuckles turning white around his sword hilt.
“No!
I risked my life to get this!” “Then you have no choice,” the second man growled.
He flared his soul power, summoning his club martial soul as two soul rings—one white, one yellow—spun around his body.
Sitting nearby on all fours, Xuandong casually flicked his tail, his cat eyes narrowing as he glared at the dog-martial-soul brute who had tried to kick him.
Targeting a stray cat?
Real classy.
Xuandong mentally selected the kid and cast Enhance Ability (Bull’s Strength).
A faint, invisible surge of magical energy flowed into the boy.
Feeling a sudden, overwhelming wave of raw power course through his muscles, the boy tightened his grip on the iron sword and threw himself into combat against both men.
Xuandong sat back, lazily swinging his tail as he watched.
His eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise.
Without a single soul ring, the boy was relying purely on raw, unrefined sword technique to hold his ground against two armed adult Soul Masters—even landing a clean slash that drew blood across the white-ring dog user.
However, the yellow-ring club user found an opening and swung his heavy weapon straight for the child’s head.
Before the blow could land, Xuandong cast Hold Person.
The club user instantly froze mid-swing, his body locking up completely as paralysis gripped his muscles.
“Nya,” Xuandong said flatly.
The paralyzed man’s eyes darted down in pure horror.
“Y-You can speak?!
Are you a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast?!” Xuandong looked at him with complete disdain.
“I said ‘nya,’ you dumbass.
Don’t you understand that’s just how cats meow?
Nya.” Without waiting for a reply, Xuandong flicked a paw, casting Ice Knife.
A shard of jagged ice materialized in the air and shot forward, striking the frozen man dead center in the neck.
The shard exploded into frigid shrapnel, finishing him off instantly.
Xuandong then padded over to the injured dog-martial-soul user, who was slump-backed on the floor.
“Why do you hate cats so much?” The man stared at Xuandong with bloodshot, maniacal eyes.
“It was because of you!” Xuandong pointed a furry paw at his own chest.
“Me?” “It’s all your fault!” the man shrieked, tears and blood mixing on his face.
“When I was a child, I brought home a stray cat!
My father became so mad he started beating me harder than usual!
My mother came to stop him, and he hit her over and over until she stopped breathing!
It was the cat’s fault!
If not for you cats, my mother wouldn’t have died!” Xuandong stared at him, quickly putting the pieces together.
The man had grown up with a violent, abusive father who beat his mother to death, and to cope with the trauma, he had projected all the guilt and abuse onto the innocent cat he had picked up.
He was completely insane.
Looking the broken man dead in the eye, Xuandong opened his feline jaws and exhaled.
To his surprise, instead of ordinary flames, a stream of crackling purple fire burst from his mouth!
The purple flames didn’t just burn the man; they completely disintegrated his body into fine ash in a matter of seconds.
Xuandong realized it was a fusion of his Gold Dragonborn’s breath weapon combined with the destruction elemental of his Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon martial soul!
He turned around to check on the kid.
Even after witnessing such a gore-filled spectacle, the boy wasn’t shivering or terrified.
He stood tall, holding his battered iron sword in a tight grip, ready to fight to the death if the cat turned on him.
“Nya,” Xuandong said.
The boy tilted his head.
“Nya?” “It means meow,” Xuandong sighed.
The boy nodded solemnly, lowered his sword, and clapped his hands together, bowing slightly.
“Thank you for helping me.” Xuandong shook his head.
“If you hadn’t stepped in to protect me first, I would have left you to die.” Canceling his Wild Shape, Xuandong shifted back into his human form and extended a hand.
“I’m Xu Xuandong.
Nice to meet you.” The boy’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
The Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire was a cat?!
Stunned, he still extended his calloused hand and shook Xuandong’s.
“What will you do now?” Xuandong asked.
“I’ll hide in the slums,” the boy replied plainly.
“Then find a chance to get out of the city.” Xuandong smiled.
“How about following me instead?
You can work under me.
I’ll teach you high-level sword arts and introduce you to powerful experts you can fight.” The boy’s dull eyes instantly glinted with a fanatical light, and he nodded without hesitation.
Xuandong already had a strong suspicion about the kid’s identity based on his terrifying sword talent, but he asked anyway: “What’s your name?” “Ji Juechen,” the boy stated.
I knew it, Xuandong thought, suppressed excitement bubbling inside him.
The future Sword Fanatic!
A short while later, Xuandong led Ji Juechen straight into the front doors of a high-end brothel in the slums.
Ji Juechen looked around the flashy, perfumed halls with deep confusion.
“Why are we coming here?” Xuandong just smirked, offering no explanation.
Ten minutes later, heavy footsteps echoed outside the private VIP suite.
The door was slammed open as several powerful imperial guards burst into the room, shouting, “Search the place!” The guards froze dead in their tracks.
Inside, the Crown Prince and a young ragged boy were lounging on silk couches, surrounded by scantily clad, beautiful women feeding them grapes while Xuandong took a lazy sip of fruit wine.
On the surface, Xuandong played the role of the carefree playboy prince enjoying himself, but beneath his relaxed smile, his mind was racing.
First, the carriage ambush.
He was 80% sure it was his cousin Xu Tianran’s doing, utilizing his mother’s faction connections to hire assassins.
If his uncle Prince Xu Gongfeng had ordered the hit, a Title Douluo would have been sent to erase him, not a handful of disposable Soul Emperors.
Second, the woman running this establishment.
She was destined to play a massive role in the empire’s underground network in the future, but striking a deal with her was a double-edged sword.
If she ever betrayed him down the line, it could mean his total ruin.
Finally, himself and Ji Juechen.
Back when he hunted his first spirit ring against that Elemental Silver Wolf, he hadn’t even had the heart to finish the creature off himself.
Yet today, he had snuffed out two human lives without batting an eye.
He realized his desensitization to blood and death was a direct side-effect of his grueling, hardcore sessions inside Baldur’s Gate 3.
The commander of the royal guards stepped forward, his eyes twitching uncontrollably as he looked at the 6-year-old Crown Prince relaxing among hostesses.
“Your Highness…” the guard captain managed to choke out.
“We are here to escort you back to the palace.” Xuandong set his glass down and waved a lazy hand.
“Ah, Captain.
Pour yourself a drink first.
It’s been a long day.”